Array of blocks joined by doubleacting hinge means



J. SUDERMANN Jan. 6, 1970 ARRARY 0F BLOCKS JOINED BY DOUBLE-ACTING HINGEMEANS Filed April 20, 1967 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jacob Sudermann INVENTOR.

MM 153M Jan. 6, 1970 J. SUDERMANN ,487,578

ARRARY OF BLOCKS JOINED BY DOUBLE-ACTING HINGE MEANS Filed April 20,19s"; 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.3

Fig. 4 Fig. 5

64 A as A 82 A mama man 70 68 74 76 78 as 90 80 F ,1? 6 A Hg 2 III-Fig.8 Fig.9

Jacob .Sudermann IN VE N TO K.

BY 25m United States Patent Oifice 3,487,578 Patented Jan. 6, 19703,487,578 ARRAY OF BLOCKS JOINED BY DOUBLE- ACTiNG HINGE MEANS JacobSudermann, North Burnaby, British Columbia,

Canada, assignor to US. Tape and Turn, Inc., a corporation of WashingtonFiled Apr. 20, 1967, Ser. No. 632,256 Int. Cl. A63h 33/00 U.S. Cl. 46-17 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A unit comprising a plurality ofcubic blocks hingedly interconnected, to one or more adjacent blocks,for pivotal movement in two planes in conjunction with the adjacentblocks for defining a plurality of different configurations and/or thealignment of various of the block faces for the display of matterappearing thereon.

The instant invention is concerned with an articulate unit composedbasically of a plurality of cube-like members hingedly interconnectedand arranged, in one basic form, in both horizontal rows and verticalcolumns, the members being manipulatable, relative to the adjacentmembers, in two planes so as to enable the assumption, by the unit, of aplurality of both generally planar and threedimensional configurations.

It is a significant object of the instant invention to provide anarticulated block construction which, because of the variety ofconfigurations achievable through a manipulation thereof, is uniquelyadapted for use as a toy of amusement device, either of a size whereinthe entire unit can be hand held and manipulated, or of a substantiallygreater size whereby children can form climbable structures or integralenclosures.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a basicarticulated block unit which is also adaptable for use in the formationof convertible furniture or the like, the manipulation of the individualblocks or members enabling the selective formation of chair andcouch-like units.

Furthermore, it is an object of the instant invention to provide adevice, which when utilized as a toy or amusement means, presents asubstantial challenge to the user.

Basically, the unit of the instant invention comprises sixteen cubicblocks hingedly interconnected by fixed length flexible straps or tapesarranged so as to enable a manipulation of each block, relative to theadjoining blocks to which it is fixed, for selective engagement withthree sides of the adjacent block, this manipulation occurring in eitherof two planes.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the unit of the instant inventionarranged in one basic form;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view wherein the blocks have been explodedrelative to each other and the connecting tapes elongated for purposesof illustration;

FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on a planepassing along line 33 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURES 4-7 are schematic views illustrating one series ofmanipulations; and

FIGURES 8, 9 and 10 illustrate further possible manipulations of thearticulated blocks.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 20has been used to generally designate the unit or article comprising theinstant invention. As

will be best appreciated from the exaggerated or exploded view of FIGURE2, the unit 20 consists of a plurality, normally sixteen, of cubes orcubic blocks interconnected by elongated substantially fixed lengthflexible straps or tapes.

FIGURE 1 illustrates one basic arrangement of the blocks of the units20, the unit 20 being illustrated in this basic arrangement in order tosimplify the explanation of the various components thereof and theinterrelationship therebetween. In the arrangement of FIGURE 1, it willbe noted that four vertical columns, designated by the numbers 1, 2, 3and 4, and four horizontal rows, designated by the letters A, B, C andD, are provided and form a square configuration having a depth equal tothe thickness of a single block. Utilizing the particular column and rowdesignations, each individual block will be hereinafter designated byits appropriate coordinates. For example, the upper left hand block ofFIGURE 2 will be referred to as block A1, while the lower right handblock will be referred to as D4.

Attention is now specifically directed to FIGURE 2 wherein the blocks,aside from the exploded relationship therebetween, have been illustratedin the same arrangement set forth in FIGURE 1. Referring initially toblock A1, it will be noted that this block is hingedly secured solely tothe vertically adjacent block B1, this being effected by a pair of tapes22 overlying and being permanently bonded, as by adhesive, to the frontface 24 of the block A1 and the rear face 26 of the block B1 verticallyalong the opposite vertical edges thereof. The intermediate portions 28of the pair of tapes 22 lie freely between the horizontal abutting faces30 and 32 of the superimposed blocks A1 and B1. In addition, a singlecentrally located tape 34 has the opposed end portions thereofpermanently fixed to the rear face 36 of the block A1 and the front face38 0f the block B1 vertically thereacross, the intermediate portion 40of the tape 34 lying horizontally between the abutting faces 30 and 32of the blocks A1 and B1 centrally between the intermediate portions 28of the pair of tapes 22. The lower right hand block D4 is similarlysecured solely to the vertically adjacent block C4. That is a pair ofstraps 42 have the opposite end portions rigidly aflixed to the forwardface 44 of the block D4 and the rear face 46 of the block C4, while asingle strap 47 has the opposite end portions thereof afiixed to therear face 48 of the block D4 and the front face 50 of the block C4, theintermediate portions of the straps 42 and 47 freely lying between theabutting faces of the blocks D4 and C4. The two remaining corner blocks,D1 and A4, are both secured to their vertically adjacent block, C1 orB4, in a manner exactly reverse from that noted with regard to theblocks A1 and D4, For example, the double straps or tapes are affixed tothe rear faces of the blocks D1 and A4 and the front faces of thevertically adjacent blocks C1 and B4, while the single straps aresecured to the front faces of the blocks D1 and A4 and the rear faces ofthe vertically associated blocks C1 and B4.

Referring now specifically to column 2, it will be noted that acontinuous pair of securing tapes or straps 52 are provided. Thesestraps 52, lying adjacent the vertical edges of the correspondingblocks, are rigidly aflixed, as by means of adhesive, to the rear faceof blocks A2 and C2, and to the front faces of blocks B2 and D2 with theportions of the parallel straps 52 between the vertically adjacentblocks lying freely across the horizontal abutting faces. With continuedreference to column 2, it will be noted that a single centrally locatedtape 54 is permanently affixed to the front face of blocks A2 and C2 andto the rear face of blocks B2 and D2, the unsecured intermediateportions of the tape 54 also freely lying between the horizontalabutting faces of the vertically adjacent blocks in column 2.

Column 3 differs from column 2 in that the orientation of the pair oftapes 56 and the single tape 58, relative to the blocks, is just thereverse of the tapes 52 and 54 associated with column 2. The upper andlower blocks A2, A3, D2 and D3 in the columns 2 and 3 are secured solelyto their vertically adjacent blocks, and not to the horizontallyadjacent blocks.

Referring now to horizontal row B, it will be noted that the blockstherein are integrally interconnected by a continuous pair of tapes 60which are rigidly afiixed to the rear face of blocks B1 and B3, and tothe front face of blocks B2 and B4, with the intermediate portions oftapes 60 between the adjacent blocks lying freely between the verticalabutting faces thereof. A single tape 62 also extends along row B andhas portions thereof fixed to the front face of blocks B1 and B3, andthe rear face of blocks B2 and B4, the intermediate portions of thesingle tape 62 also lying freely between the vertical abutting faces ofthe adjacent blocks in row B.

Row C diifers from row B solely in a reversing of the pair of tapes andthe single tape as will be readily apparent from FIGURE 2. It will benoted that the end blocks in rows B and C, that is blocks B1, C1, B4 andC4 are not secured to each other, but on the contrary are secured solelyto the vertically adjacent corner blocks and the horizontally adjacentinterior blocks. Finally, it will be noted that all four interior blocksare integrally engaged with the four blocks which border thereabout.

At this point it might be well to note that while fiat tapes or strapshave been referred to and illustrated in the drawings, the instantinvention also contemplates the utilization of any type of elongatedflexible fixed length members, such as string or wire, the flatribbon-like straps being preferred in that only a minimum amount ofspace will be taken up between the blocks with the blocks having theabutting faces therebetween for all practical purposes actually abuttingeach other. By the same token, while continuous tapes have beenindicated as extending along the columns 2 and 3 and rows B and C, thesetapes can be discontinuous and merely extend between adjacent blocks, aswith the straps 22 and 34 between the blocks A1 and B1. Finally, thoseportions of the various straps which are secured to the specific facesof the individual blocks need not completely overlie these faces, butmay, if preferred, only overlap these faces a sufficient amount so as toenable a rigid afiixation thereto in order that a pivoting point heprovided adjacent or at each edge of each block to which a free edge ofa tape or pair of tapes extends.

Turning now to FIGURE 3, the blocks illustrated therein, this being theblocks of row C, have been shown, in conjunction with the associatedtapes, in a relationship substantially as they will appear in the actualunit, these blocks being longitudinally separated to the slight degreewhich will be permitted by the relatively slack-free tapes, the smalldegree of slack present facilitating the desired pivotal movement of theblocks.

As one example of the versatility of the unit 20, attention is directedto FIGURES 4 and 5 which illustrate schematic top plan views of thearrangement illustrated in FIGURE 1 with the columns being partiallymoved to present modified arrangements. Initially noting FIGURE 4, itshould be appreciated that a pivoting of columns 1 and 2 relative toeach other about the rear corner 64 therebetween as indicated by thearrows, along with a simultaneous pivoting of the columns 3 and 4 aboutthe rear corner 66 therebetween and the columns 2 and 3 about the frontcorner 68 therebetween will result in the presentation of an articleshaped just like the article of FIGURE 1 but presenting the previouslyinner faces 70, 72, 74 and 76 of the columns as the front face of thearticle.

With reference to FIGURE 5, it will be noted that by pivoting thecolumns 1 and 2 about the front corner 78, the columns 3 and 4 about thefront corner 80, and the columns 2 and 3 about the rear corner 82, asquare article as illustrated in FIGURE 1 will be presented wherein thefront face thereof is comprised of the side faces 84 and 86 of thecolumns 1 and 4 and the inner faces 88 and 90 of the columns 2 and 3. Assuggested in FIGURE 1, these selectively exposable faces can formportions of numerals which, when properly pivoted, will present thecompleted numeral. Starting with the basic arrangement illustrated inFIGURE 2, and following the manipulative steps suggested in FIGURES 4-7,five different front faces can be formed.

Incidently, while it is believed that the actual manner in which theblocks pivot or rotate relative to each other will be readily apparentto one familiar with the art from FIGURES 2 and 3, attention isspecifically directed to FIGURE 3 for a brief explanation of thespecific mechanics involved. Initially, assume a pivoting of the blocksC1 and C2 relative to each other about the rear corner, designated as 64in FIGURE 4. A rearward pivoting of the block C1 will be effected aboutthe end 92 of the free tape segment 94 with the rear face 96 of theblock C1 becoming positioned on the rear face 98 of the block C2. At thesame time, the tape segment 1.00 will swing about its rear end 102 awayfrom the side face 104 of the block C2 so as to overlie the now exposedside face 106 of the block C1. The reverse occurs when pivoting theblock C1 in the manner suggested in FIGURE 5 about the front corner 78.From this, it will also be appreciated that the block C1 can selectivelyoverlie any one of three faces of the block C2. This holds true for allof the blocks relative to each of their adjoining blocks.

Referring noW to FIGURE 8, another form which may be assumed by the unit20 has been illustrated. This form is basically achieved by retainingthe rows B and C adjacent each other and pivoting the end rows A and Doutwardly and downwardly. The resultant configuration is that of anelongated covered tunnel or, if so desired, a pair of opposed benches orseats, depending upon the specific size of the individual cu'bic blocks.

FIGURE 9 illustrates a form or arrangement wherein the tunnel of FIGURE8 can have one end thereof closed off so as to define, as an example, aplay cave or house for children, again assuming blocks of a substantialsize. This closing of the end of the tunnel can be effected by merelypivoting the two end blocks A1 and D1 downwardly into subjacentpositions relative to the intermediate raised blocks B1 and C1.

FIGURE 10 suggests the formation of a centrally domed structure formedby initially pivoting the blocks A1 and D1 up alongside the raisedintermediate blocks B1 and C1, and subsequently pivoting the entirecolumn 1 downwardly into the position indicated by column 4.

FIGURE 10 is also significant in indicating, noting the block A4 shownin phantom lines, the manner in which the corner blocks can be rotatedso as to provide a form which is in effect six blocks long, the block A4overlying the now outer face of the block B4 when pivoted as indicatedby the phantom lines showning, along with a similar pivoting of theblocks D4, A1 and D1.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the blocks of the unit 20 arecapable of being manipulatively moved so as to achieve a great varietyof shapes as well as a variety of similar configurations whereindifferent faces are presented in combination with each other. Further,as will be recognized, depending upon the particular size of the unit,the device can be utilized as a hand held amusement toy, or largeconstruction toy for children, or further, as a means for providingcollapsible or convertible chairs, couches or the like. In the latterinstance, the blocks would be in the nature of cushioned members. Inachieving the various configurations or shapes, it will be appreciatedthat the individual blocks are movable in two planes at right angles toeach other with each block, in each of the planes, being capable ofengaging against any one of three faces of each of the blocks to whichit is hingedly engaged.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An articulate article formed of a plurality of blocks and meanshingedly interconnecting said blocks for a selective movement of eachblock relative to adjoining blocks in two right-angularly relatedplanes, each block being directly hingedly engaged with at least oneadjacent block, each block having faces thereon selectively abuttablewith three faces of each block to which it is directly hingedly engaged,said plurality of blocks comprising sixteen equal sized cubic blocks,said blocks, in one selected arrangement of the article, comprising fourvertical adjacent parallel columns of four blocks each and fourhorizontal adjacent parallel rows of four blocks each whereby a squareis defined, each of the blocks in both the top and bottom rows beingdirectly secured to one adjacent block, each of the four internal blocksbeing directly secured to the four adjacent blocks surrounding it.

2. The article of claim 1 wherein the means hingedly interconnecting theblocks comprises a plurality of substantially fixed length flexiblemembers, said members having end portions secured to the opposite facesof mutually adjacent joined blocks and intermediate portions lyingfreely between the abutting faces of said last-mentioned blocks whichare hingedly secured together.

3. The article of claim 2 wherein said flexible members comprise, inconnection with each hinged joining of a pair of adjacent blocks, a pairof tapes and a single tape, said pair of tapes being secured torespective ones of an opposed set of faces of said pair of blocks whilesaid single tape is secured to respective ones of said opposite opposedset of faces of said pair of blocks.

4. An articulate article formed of a plurality of blocks, said blockseach being defined by six generally equal size rectangular faces, saidblocks, in one arrangement, being arranged in adjacent parallel verticalequal height columns of an equal number of blocks with correspondingblocks in the columns aligning horizontally and defining adjacentparallel horizontal rows of equal length and of an equal number ofblocks so as to define a rectangular configuration, said configurationbeing one block thick, hinge means directly connecting adjacent columnsfor a selective movement of each column as a unit into superimposedrelation with each of two diametrically opposed faces of one adjacentcolumn while retaining the parallel relationship therebetween, and hingemeans directly connecting adjacent rows for a selective movement of eachrow as a unit into superimposed relation with each of two diametricallyopposed faces of one adjacent row while retaining the parallel relationtherebetween.

5. The article of claim 4 wherein the blocks in the top and bottom rowsare directly connected to only one adjacent block and are individuallymanipulatable.

6. The article of claim 5 wherein the blocks of said rows and columnsinclude at least one internal block surrounded by the top and bottomrows and the two end columns of blocks and directly hingedly secured tothe four adjacent blocks surrounding it.

7. An articulate article formed of a plurality of blocks, said blockseach being defined by six generally equal size rectangular faces, saidblocks, in one arrangement assumable by the articulate article,comprising intermediate blocks in face-to-face abutment with each otherand surrounding peripheral blocks in face-to-face abutment with botheach other and the surrounded intermediate blocks, each of saidintermediate blocks having four faces thereof engaged by four adjacentblocks surrounding it, and means directly hingedly securing eachintermediate block to the four adjacent surrounding blocks engagedthereagainst, selected ones of said peripheral blocks being directlyhingedly engaged with only two adjacent blocks, and other selected onesof said peripheral blocks being directly hingedly secured solely to oneadjacent block, whereby a series of manipulative movements can beeffective between the blocks.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 510,216 12/1893 Waibel 46--24 F.BARRY SHAY, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 273-; 40-28

